January 2016
No Boundaries for us Ideas for the inexperienced traveler
Travel to help others 6 Last minute gift guide 11 Wild, Wonderful WV 20 Winter travel 26
A DougBardwell.com Publication Travel, tech, photography and more
January 2016 Hello readers, Happy holidays. We’ve got a short issue this month since you are probably very busy shopping and wrapping presents. Our feature destination this month is the wild and wonderful state of West Virginia. Whether you are taking in an off-road adventure like this one on the Hatfield McCoy Trail, or just traveling to see the Christmas lights, we know you’ll find many wonderful diversions. Enjoy yourselves and be sure to send a post card.
UTV riders hit the Hatfield McCoy Trails near the Rockhouse Trailhead in Man. (Photo: Wild, Wonderful West Virginia)
This month we also feature our “last minute edition” of our Holiday Gift Guide. Feel free to print out the pages of interest and tape them to the mirror for your spouse or significant other. More great ideas you won’t want to miss. Be sure to catch our feature article (way in the back on page 26) on preparing for winter travel. It’s bad enough to get stuck somewhere, but it’s worse knowing that you should have taken some precautions. We don’t want to lose any of our valuable readers. Please enjoy this issue; but, better yet subscribe and we’ll drop you a note when each month’s issue is ready. Have a great month - and get up and go somewhere! Doug 2
In This Issue: Top travel video on Internet
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Travel for a good cause
6-7
Holiday happenings 8-9 Freebird solves cancellations 10 More last minute gift ideas
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For the gadget lover
12-13
For the photographer
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For the traveler 16-17 For the adventurer
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West Virginia 20-23 10 Best foodie tours
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Kickstarters with potential
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Prepare for winter travel
26-27
Past Issues (keep reading)
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To p t r a v e l v i d e o s
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s on the Internet
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Give the gift of giving back Travel with a cause in mind There are more than 1.6 million volunteer tourists a year, according to Tourism Research and Marketing. With the holiday season quickly approaching, more consumers are finding ways to give the gift of giving back rather than requesting traditional presents. Now, hotels are offering programs that give back to the local community, giving travelers the opportunity to encounter new cultures while immersing in the authenticity of the destination.
Rainforest Development in Costa Rica: Los Suenos Marriott Costa Rica’s Reforest the Rainforest initiative allows guests to participate in the ongoing effort to preserve the rainforest while creating a habitat for local wildlife by planting
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a Tropical Almond Tree, beneficial for the preservation of the iconic macaw, along the property’s La Iguana Golf Course located on a 1,100-acre rainforest.
Family Cancer Timeout: By booking the Jack & Jill Late Stage Cancer Foundation package at The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa, travelers can help children who will lose their parents to cancer by providing them with an opportunity to create lasting memories with their parents. Ten percent of each room rate is donated to JAJF.
The Spirit of Aloha: Boasting mementos that celebrate the Spirit of Aloha, Hawaiian Airlines’ online store and Malama Honua collection features shirts, bags and more that preserve cultural traditions and advocates for a sustainable future. A portion of proceeds goes to the Polynesian Voyaging Society.
Mayan Artisanal Markets: Sandos Caracol, Sandos Playacar and Sandos Cancun are supporters of the “Help Us Help Others” program, benefiting the local Xyaat organization, which supports Mayan villages through donations and onsite artisanal markets. The properties encourage guests to give back to the environment through their “green” initiatives such as planting an indigenous tree.
Finger Lakes Farm Sanctuary: Farm Sanctuary is a 175 acre animal haven in Watkins Glen, NY that houses rescued animals from industrial farming sites all across the country. Volunteers can participate in the organization’s Walk for Farm Animals, volunteer in the form of monthly work parties, and provide aid on activities that help the shelter operate.Â
Finger Lakes Gardening: Humble Hill Farm is an organic farm in Spencer, NY, growing pure, clean, untreated fruits, vegetable, herbs and flowers. As an answer to the call for more voluntourism opportunities, Humble Hill Farm recently opened an onsite lodge providing visitors the opportunity to stay on the farm and volunteer in the gardens.
Finger Lakes Animal Sanctuary: A non-profit animal farm sanctuary in Alton, NY, Cracker Box Palace is a volunteer-based entity welcoming visitors and locals alike to help their cause. The sanctuary has a number of events throughout the year along with special volunteer days. Travelers can choose to sponsor one of the 140 animals that currently call the farm home. Shake Hands With the World: The Shake Hands with the World™ foundation gives back to the places VBT Bicycling and Walking Vacations visits by supporting humanitarian and charitable initiatives, including the Alliance for Biking & Walking, The Prouty and the Kelly Brush Foundation, which raises money for spinal-cord injury research.
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10 Must-Attend Holiday Hap Philadelphia’s Northern countryside decks Get in the holiday spirit in Bucks County, PA! From spectacular light displays to historic Christmas traditions and much more, come experience the charm of the countryside, holiday-style. Located 75 miles south of New York City and 25 miles outside of Philadelphia, Bucks County is the perfect getaway destination for seasonal fun! Here are Bucks County’s top 10 festivals, events and happenings this holiday season beginning in November and running through the New Year. 1. Christmas at Byers’ Choice, Through January 10, 2016 – Come to the Christmas capital of the county this holiday season! On weekends, visitors can enjoy Christmas cookies and juice as they explore the famous Christmas Museum. See how Carolers are made from the workshop observation deck and marvel at more than 250 Nativities from around the world in the Creche Room. On December 11 and 12, listen to the great-great grandson of Charles Dickens when he performs a reading of the classic “A Christmas Carol” (tickets required). Meet Mrs. Claus on November 29, make reindeer food and write a letter to Santa himself from 1-4:30 p.m. 2. Holiday Season at Peddler’s Village, November 13, 2015- January 2, 2016 – The holidays get an early start at Peddler’s Village, the 18th-century-style shopping village. Enjoy holiday fun and mini-lightings throughout the Village on November 13 at “Kick Off to the Holidays” leading up to the Village’s much anticipated Grand Illumination Celebration on November 20. Santa Claus will arrive on the Main Green at 6:15 p.m. sharp to flip the special switch and illuminate the Village with one million holiday lights! Through the rest of the holiday season, visit with Santa at Giggleberry Fair, check out the Annual Gingerbread Competition, on display November 20 through January 2 and attend the Christmas Festival December 5-6. 3. North Pole Express on the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad, November 21, 2015- January 2, 2016 (select dates) – Dress the kids in their PJs asthey live out their Christmas fantasy and hop aboard the North Pole Express for an unforgettable holiday journey! Sit back and relax on the heated, vintage passenger coaches for a magical trip to the North Pole. The journey wouldn’t be complete without a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, hot cocoa, cookies and Christmas carols! 4. A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place®, November 21-December 31, 2015 (select dates) – Everyone’s favorite street will be decked out in holiday lights during this one-of-a-kind celebration! Sesame Place, the nation’s only theme park based on the award-winning children’s television show Sesame Street®, comes alive this holiday season with special Christmas shows, dry rides, the illuminated Neighborhood Street Party Christmas Parade and more. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit with Santa in his Furry Workshop, enjoy delicious Christmas treats and get a head start on shopping!
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ppenings in Bucks County, PA the halls from November through January Holiday Light Show at Shady Brook Farm, November 21, 2015-January 10, 2016 5.
– Millions of lights illuminate acres of farmland during Shady Brook Farm’s 21st Annual Holiday Light Show, presented by PECO Energy. Guests can take a tractor-drawn wagon ride through whimsical light displays filled with holiday characters or keep cozy and warm in the comfort of their own vehicle. Santa arrives by helicopter on November 27 to kick off the season! Bonus: pre-registered runners can get a preview and one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience the Light Show on foot on Friday, November 20 at the Run The Lights event. 6. Holidays at the Castles at the Mercer Museum and Fonthill Castle, November-January – From November 21 through January 3, visitors can stop by the Mercer Museum to visit the “Under the Tree: A Century of Holiday Trees and Toys” exhibit. See Fonthill Castle decked out for the holidays December 5-January 3 or stop by on December 12 for a special Holiday Lights Meander. On December 26 or January 2, marvel at the castle under the cloak of darkness with a candlelight holiday tour. On December 6, Fonthill Castle and Moravian Pottery & Tile Works host a free Holiday Festivities event for the whole family and on December 8, the Mercer Museum and James A. Michener Art Museum join together for a free Holiday Open House.
7. Festival of Trees and Craft Show at the Pearl S. Buck House & Historic Site, November 10-December 31, 2015– Take a holiday tour of the farm house once lived in by Nobel-and-Pulitzer Prize winning author Pearl S. Buck during the 37th Annual Festival of Trees November 10 through December 31. On December 10, come out for a complimentary tour, a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, entertainment and more during the Community Open House. Be sure to stop by November 27 through December 6 (on select dates) for their annual Holiday Craft Show featuring one-stop-shopping from the region’s best artisans and crafters. 8. 10th Annual Bucks County Holiday TreeFest, November 24, 2015-January 5, 2016 – The Bucks County Visitor Center in Bensalem will be filled with holiday cheer as 25 uniquely-themed holiday trees light up the Main Gallery during the Annual Holiday TreeFest. Each tree showcased is designed by a local business or non-profit organization. Throughout the six-week celebration, visitors can browse the decorated trees, enjoy musical entertainment, visit with Santa Claus himself and even bring the furry friends along for pet photos on select dates. Stay tuned for even more surprises this year as TreeFest celebrates its 10th anniversary! 9. Holly Nights at Pennsbury Manor, December 3 & 4, 2015 – Get a feel for a colonial Christmas this year at Pennsbury Manor during their annual Holly Nights event. A community tradition for more than 35 years, warm up beside crackling bonfires, listen to the beautiful sounds of carolers and take a candlelit tour of this historic Manor House home of Pennsylvania’s founder William Penn. 10. Annual Christmas Day Crossing and Reenactment at Washington Crossing Historic Park, December 13, 2015 and December 25, 2015 –Witness history on the shores of the Delaware River at the annual re-enactment of General George Washington’s daring river-crossing on Christmas Night in 1776. Attendees can watch more than 200 re-enactors row across the river in the same style of Durham boats Washington used in 1776. The December 13 reenactment also includes colonial-era games, period demonstrations and other fun activities throughout the historic park.
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Freebird Launches Mobile Rebooking Tool to Empower Travelers During Flight Disruptions — Just in Time for Holiday Travel First-of-its-kind tool enables users to skip the line and instantly book a new ticket – on any airline at no additional cost – with just three taps on their mobile device Freebird, Inc., a company dedicated to empowering travelers, today announced the launch of its namesake product, which enables travelers to skip the line and instantly book a new ticket – on any airline at no additional cost – in the event of a flight cancellation, four-hour delay, or missed connection. The mobile tool provides travelers with instant notifications in the event of a flight disruption, and offers them the ability to rebook in less than 30 seconds with only three taps on their mobile device. Ahead of the launch, the Cambridge-based company secured $3.5M in funding from General Catalyst, Accomplice, Slow Ventures, and strategic angel investors. “We all travel for important reasons – especially during the holiday season,” said Ethan Bernstein, co-founder and CEO of Freebird. “Yet when a flight disruption occurs, the rebooking process can leave us feeling helpless and frustrated. Freebird enables travelers to skip the line and choose a new ticket on any airline, book it for free, and ultimately get to the people and places that matter most. Our mission at Freebird is to empower business and leisure travelers year-round, during the holiday season, through winter, and beyond.” The Freebird launch comes just ahead of the Thanksgiving travel rush – when approximately 3.5 percent of Americans take flights – as well as the busiest travel day of the year, which occurs the Sunday after Thanksgiving. On average, 250,000 travelers experience a flight cancellation each Thanksgiving holiday and 3 million travelers are delayed by more than 30 minutes, according to a Freebird analysis. As a result of flight cancellations and delays, US travelers are expected to lose 6 million hours during Thanksgiving travel this year. Travelers can purchase Freebird via www.getfreebird. com at any time after their flight itinerary is confirmed, up until approximately two days prior to departure. Currently, Freebird is available for domestic US flights only, for a flat-fee of $19 for a one-way flight or $34 for a roundtrip flight during its winter travel and launch promotion. Following the promotion, Freebird fees will vary flight-by-flight, based on factors such as likelihood of a disruption, and will typically cost less than $30 for a one-way flight. Prices are determined by Freebird’s proprietary algorithm that predicts the risk of flight disruptions for millions of flights per year. For more information on Freebird’s mission to empower travelers or to learn about how Freebird works, visit www.getfreebird.com.
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Last Minute Holiday Gift Guide
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For the Gadget Lover
Gourmia GTA2500 Air Fryer The 11-in-1 digital Turbo Cook Center and Air Fryer features state-of-the-art technology that cooks meals with optimal taste and crispiness while eliminating the need to add fats and oil during the cooking process. The unit takes advantage of two different scientific heating methods, convection and radiant. This is achieved by using a modern halogen heater as well as circulating hot air. The results are perfectly crisp exteriors and moist tender interiors, often in 60% less time than other cooking methods. The Turbo Cook Center is an extreme value with 11 included accessories that eliminate the need for multiple cooking appliances. Using this unit and accessories, anyone can air fry, air sautĂŠ, stir fry, steam, roast, grill, broil, bake, rotisserie and make kabobs. Plus, there are specialized modes for making pizza and French fries, and for defrosting frozen food.
Kodak Video Monitor CFH-V10 KODAK Video Monitor CFH-V10 lets you stay connected no matter where you are in the world. The video camera has instant HD color streaming video and two-way audio to any smart phone or device. Whether you are next door, at work or on vacation you can view what matters to you most within seconds.
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For the Gadget Lover Inateck BTSP-10P Bluetooth Speaker The Inateck Portable Hi-Fi Wireless Bluetooth 4.0 Speaker with 15 hour playtime and Precision Enhanced Bass (BTSP-10P) is an amazing compact speaker at an amazing price. Dollar per ounce, this is the best deal going in a small speaker. It comes with a 2000mAh battery to keep the tunes going all day. It’s only 6.5 inches long and about 2.4 inches square. Just slightly more than one pound in weight, this takes up hardly any room in your backpack so you can take it anywhere. Two 3 watt speakers crank out more sound than comparable speakers costing considerably more.
Inateck Sleeve Case for Ultrabook/iPad The Inateck (MP1035) 12.9” iPad Pro/ 13.3” MacBook Air/ Pro Retina Sleeve Case Cover also works for some Ultrabooks and Netbooks. This grey synthetic felt sleeve with stand function is ideal for MacBook and iPads. Not only a sleeve, this is a multi-position stand for your device as well. Overall, the sleeve is 14” wide and 10” tall – with one interior pocket and two zippered exterior pockets for cellphone, cash, whatever. Included with the sleeve is a separate, matching felt pouch for mouse, cables, etc.
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For the Photographer
Lenovo Yoga 900 Continuing with the most sought after series of lightweight laptops, Lenovo has upped the specs on last year’s Yoga 3 Pro and now offers up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage with an Intel i7 processor in the new Yoga 900 series. Also, Ultrabook lovers are going to appreciate the added full row of F-Keys. With its 360° hinge, you can set the Yoga 900 up in countless ways for countless purposes. Need a laptop – sure. Want a tablet – flip it 360. Want a presentation monitor – easy. Need to fit on a cramped airplane tray table when the guy in front is reclined – yep, works there too. Running Lightroom and Photoshop is a dream with the 16GB of RAM. This is truly a dream for traveling photographers - lightweight but powerful. And the screen is perfect for editing with 3200x1800 resolution and 9 hours of battery life. This is an Ultrabook you’ll quickly fall in love with.
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For the Photographer
Glow 28” ParaPop Collapsible Softbox
Lume Cube If you are into miniature cameras like the GoPro or using your cellphone, you know that the party stops after the sun goes down. GoPro has no light and your cellphone flash is minimal at best. Now, at about 1-1/2” square, the Lume Cube light lets the party get photographed no matter how dark. This little waterproof light pumps out 1,500 lumens – which is incredibly bright.
Available from Adorama, the Glow 28” R-Series ParaPop Collapsible Softbox is ideal for traveling photographers who are constantly setting up, moving and resetting shots while on location. Useable with either portable strobes or studio strobes, I’ve even used it with the aforementioned miniature Lume Cube. The 12-sided parabolic design provides extremely flattering light with inner and outer diffusers. The softbox comes with a carrying bag and is just 21” x 6.5” x 6.5” when collapsed. Open, the softbox is 28” in diameter and 20” front to back. Weight is just slightly more than 2 pounds. The mounting bracket allows for maximum flexibility, either by ¼”x20 tripod mount or 5/8 stud and can be angled up or down. For more information on the Glow R-Series of softboxes, watch this video.
Use it as either as a flash controlled by your smartphone or as a constant light for video. The light output is controllable by two buttons on top which cycle through 10 brightness levels or you can get 100 levels of adjustable brightness with the smartphone app. The unit comes with a built-in USB-micro rechargeable battery and you’ll get 20 minutes of video light at full power or 2 hours at half power.
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For the Traveler
iRig Keys MINI & MusicSchoolOnline iRig Keys MINI is an ultra-portable 25-key MIDI controller for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Android and Mac/PC. Its 25 velocity sensitive mini-keys provide a generous 2 octave range (plus 1 note), which makes it small enough to easily stash in your laptop or gig bag or backpack with room to spare. Now you have the keys to capture your creativity no matter where your mobile life takes you. iRig Keys MINI is incredibly easy to use. It connects directly to your iOS device via the included Lightning connector, to your Android device via the included OTG to Micro-USB cable and to your Mac/PC via the included USB cable. It can also connect to older iOS devices via an optional 30-pin cable. And you’ll be ready to go right out of the box: No additional
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apps, software or drivers are necessary to get up and running. Its plug-and-play thanks to its MIDI and USB class compliance — no additional apps, software or drivers are necessary to get up and running. Team the keyboard up with a new music video lesson service, founded by Grammy & Platinum decorated music producer, Ken Lewis, called MusicSchoolOnline.com. MusicSchoolOnline is a VERY affordable, Netflix-style website that teaches piano, guitar, bass, vocal, drums, music theory and rhythm section lessons from the comfort of your home or on your mobile device. Lessons start at just $9.99 per month, and top out at $19.99 per month for an ALL Access Pass
For the Traveler GPSmyCity GPSmyCity makes popular iOS and Android apps that feature self-guided city walks in over 470 cities around the world. Each one of the apps contains from a few to over a dozen self-guided walking tours for a single city, allowing visitors to explore on foot the best of the city at their own pace. Work Offline No Roaming. No Data Plan Needed. Multiple Walks in Each City See Famous Sights and Hidden Gems Detailed Walk Route Map
ZTE Mobley Who said you couldn’t teach an old car new tricks? ZTE’s Mobley is AT&T’s first in-vehicle WiFi hot spot.
Turn-by-turn Walking Directions GPS-Guided City Walks Lose Yourself Without Getting Lost
The ZTE Mobley delivers WiFi connectivity to any car built after 1996 – just plug it in once and you’ll be connected anytime you hit the road. This device is great for upcoming holiday travels or even your daily commute.
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For the Adventurer
PahaQue Tepee Tent Active outdoors people know that having access to a private room in the outdoors can be a blessing; but most likely there are none to be found. Now, with the PahaQue Teepee, you can tote your own shower or outhouse, and have privacy where ever you like. Four and one-half-foot square, there’s plenty of room to change or shower in comfort. A suspended shelf in the top of the unit holds your 2.5-gallon water container and a fly cover with clear panel allows the solar rays to heat the water. “No-see-um” mesh at top and bottom provide ventilation without those pesky flying creatures. Detachable waterproof flooring can capture the water and direct it out through a hose connector. When you’re done, it all folds up into a supplied 26” long by 8” diameter duffel bag.
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Even more gift ideas.... here in last months issue
Have you tried any of the product suggestions mentioned here? We’d love to hear about your experience with them. Drop on over to our blog and leave a comment with your pros and cons at http://DougBardwell.com. 19
WEST VI ADVENTURE ADVISORY: 2015 WRAP-UP The Adventure Advisory, prepared and distributed by Wild, Wonderful West Virginia (GoToWV), highlights some of the many activities happening across the Mountain State. Additional listings are posted at www.GoToWV. com. Now – Dec. 31: Hometown White Christmas, Webster Springs 304-847-7291; http://www.visitwebsterwv.com/event/hometown-white-christmas/ Downtown Webster Springs and the Baker’s Island Recreation Area are decorated with thousands of lights and dozens of interesting Christmas displays. Many businesses offer extended store hours and other special events. Dec: 18-20: Primitive Bushcraft Weekend Workshop, Pipestem Resort State Park, Pipestem 304-466-1800; www.pipestemresort.com Learn the basics of primitive bushcraft skills including establishing shelter, creating fire, foraging wild edibles, procuring and purifying water, land navigation, bird/song identification, plant and tree identification and more. Dec. 19: Huntington Christmas Express, Huntington Board historic railroad cars to hear a magical Christmas story while enjoying hot chocolate and cookies. This stationary event lasts about an hour and kids are encouraged to wear their pajamas. Hours are 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. The cost for this event is $10 per person. Dec. 20: Brunch with Santa, Blackwater Falls State Park, Davis 304-259-5216; http://www.blackwaterfalls.com/Special.htm Santa stops at Blackwater Falls before returning to the North Pole with his naughty and nice list. The visit with Santa is free. Hours are 10:30 a.m. until noon. Dec. 20: Glenn Miller Orchestra, Oak Glen High School’s Little Theater, New Cumberland 304-374-7474; www.topofwv.com Get in the holiday mood with the world-famous Glenn Miller Orchestra. The Oak Glen High School Mixed Ensemble will perform an opening set. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., tickets are $25 in advance and $28 at the door. Dec. 23: B.E. Taylor Christmas Concert, Capitol Theatre, Wheeling 304-233-4470; info@capitoltheatrewheeling.com; www.
capitoltheatrewheeling.com
The B.E. Taylor Christmas Concert continues to wow audiences throughout the Midwest as Taylor transforms old favorites through bold interpretations to create new traditions that will live in the heart as long as Christmas is celebrated.
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IRGINIA
Dec. 24-25: Canaan Christmas Celebration, Canaan Valley Resort State Park, Davis 800-622-4121; 304-866-4121; www.canaanresort.com Holiday activities include a visit from Mrs. Claus and a reading of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” as well as a visit from Santa himself on the 24th. Holiday buffets will be offered both Dec. 24 and 25. Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve at Cacapon Resort State Park, Berkeley Springs 304-258-1022; http://www.cacaponresort.com/events.htm Ring in the New Year at Cacapon Resort with music, dancing, and a formal toast to start off 2016! Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve Celebration, Chief Logan Lodge, Logan 304-855-6100; http://www.chiefloganlodge.com/events.htm A New Year’s Eve dinner and dance features live music by The Jaguars. The $149 package includes overnight accommodations, buffet dinner for two, two drink tickets and a champagne toast at midnight. Dec. 31: A New Year’s Eve Mingle, Tygart Lake State Park, Grafton 304-265-6144; http://www.tygartlake.com/events.htm Appetizer trays and a cash bar will be available from 9 p.m. until after the midnight countdown. Overnight guests are invited to mingle with other guests, have a drink, watch the countdown on the big TVs and bring in the New Year with family, friends, and new acquaintances. Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve Party, Blackwater Falls State Park, Davis 304-259-5216; http://www.blackwaterfalls.com/Special.htm Celebrate the coming of a new year at beautiful and relaxing Blackwater Falls State Park with dinner and evening entertainment. Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve Party, North Bend State Park, Cairo 304-643-2931; http://www.northbendsp.com/Special/special.html Ring in the New Year at North Bend State Park. Enjoy an evening of live music, delicious food, and celebration. This is event is always a sell-out, so call early for reservations! Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve Party at Twin Falls Resort State Park, Mullens 304-294-4000; http://www.twinfallsresort.com/calendar.html The dinner and dance package includes a New Year’s toast and refreshments and one or two nights’ lodging. This will be a themed event. Reservations required.
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Canaan Valley Resort Ann
DAVIS, W.Va., December 4, 2015 – Canaan Valley Resort State Park is offering two winter packages combining lodging with ski lift tickets or access to the resort’s tubing park. Packages include the Lift & Lodging Package and the Family Escape Tubing Package. Both packages coincide with the ski season and are available Dec. 18, 2015 through March 20, 2016. Package prices are per night based upon double occupancy in a standard room. Upgrades are available, and some blackout dates may occur. Tax and resort fee are not included. Advanced reservations are required. The Lift & Lodging Package includes one night of lodging in a standard queen or king room, two one-day lift tickets and privileges at the Beech Club pool and fitness center. Midweek rates start at $128 per night. Weekend rates start at $148 per night.
The Family Escape Tubing Package includes one night of lodging in a standard queen or king room, a large pepperoni pizza from Seasons Cafe, two two-hour snow tubing tickets and privileges at the Beech Club pool and fitness center. Midweek rates start at $123 per night. Weekend rates start at $143 per night.
Canaan Valley Resort Ski Area Located in West Virginia’s Allegheny Mountains, the resort
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nounces Winter Packages for Skiers, Families sweeping views of the valley and mountain range. Twohour skating sessions are $7 for adults and $5 for children, and skate rentals are $3 per person. The resort’s après ski scene takes place at the two-story Bear Paw Lodge at the base of the hill. The lodge includes cafeteria-style dining with an array of hot and cold offerings and the Quenchers Pub, a slopeside lounge with a full bar as well as soups, sandwiches and light snacks.
is renowned for its average annual snowfall of more than 180 inches and its family-friendly ski hill featuring 47 trails and slopes with 30 percent beginner runs, 40 percent for intermediate skiers and 30 percent for advanced skiers. There are also plenty of options for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. The ski resort has a summit elevation of 4,300 feet above sea level, 91 skiable acres, three lifts, lighted night skiing on weekends and holidays, a terrain park, ski school and equipment rentals. A webcam offers a continuous real-time look at ski conditions. New this year is the addition of glade skiing in the eastern part of the mountain between two black diamond runs. Canaan Valley is known for its great beginner and intermediate terrain, providing a perfect place for new skiers and boarders to learn. In 2012, the resort added Critters Crawl, a dedicated beginner instruction trail serviced by its own magic carpet. The resort’s family-friendly offerings also include a slow-ski area near the base of the hill and Kidz Korner where children ages two to six will be safely entertained while parents ski on their own or with older children.
More wintertime fun The resort is also home to the longest tubing park in the Mid-Atlantic region, with 10 lanes running 1,200 feet in length. A magic carpet takes tubers back up to the top. The park includes Bald Knob Haus with a fireplace, outdoor fire ring and concessions with hot and cold drinks and snacks. Tubers must be at least four years old and 48 inches tall. Rates for tubing are $18 midweek and $25 on weekends. Additionally, the covered outdoor ice skating rink offers
Canaan Valley Resort is located in north central West Virginia approximately three hours from Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C. and 2¾ hours from Charleston, WV. The resort recently completed a massive two-year, $34 million renovation and new construction project that included construction of two wings featuring 160 guest rooms as well as renovation of public areas including the main lodge, gift shop and grab-and-go-café. All rooms feature oversized bathrooms, flat-screen televisions and in-room refrigerators. Canaan Valley Resort in Canaan Valley Resort State Park is a four-season destination resort situated in a 15-milelong valley in West Virginia’s Allegheny Mountains. The resort features 160 new lodge rooms as well as 23 cabins and cottages, 34 campsites, three restaurants, 25,000 square feet of meeting space, fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, full-service ski area with features for families as well as advanced skiers, 18-hole championship golf course, arcade, spa, kids camp, sporting clays, climbing wall, hiking and biking trails and an array of other recreational offerings. For more information visit the website or call 1-800-622-4121. Travelers can connect with Canaan Valley Resort on Facebook, Twitter and Flickr , and by signing up for special email offers and a blog.
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10 Best Foodie Tours 1. Tuscany “Slow Food” Cycling Tour - Join a family-run farm in the heart of Tuscany for an exciting cycling and epicurean adventure dedicated to the “Slow Food” movement. This exclusive six-day Tuscany tour includes some of the most beautiful bike rides in Italy and a complete cultural immersion into the Tuscan lifestyle on an energy-independent Italian agriturismo. http://www.ciclismoclassico.com/trips/tuscany-green-toscana-verde/ 2. Belgium Beer Bike Tour - There are 1,130+ beers brewed in Belgium. In addition to six Trappist ales and abbey beers, it churns out lagers such as Stella Artois and Jupiler. This tour offers access to more boutique breweries than any other European bicycle tour. http://www.ciclismoclassico.com/bike-belgium/ 3. Epicurean Adventure Across Georgia’s Wine Country - Explore gorgeous Georgia on a culinary and cultural caravan that traverses a country entwined with grapevines, overflowing with wine and abounding in hospitality. In the company of local MIR hosts, discover the history and living traditions of this ancient country through its chefs, winemakers, artisans and musicians. http://www.mircorp.com/trip/taste-of-georgia-wine-cuisine-culture.http://www.adventure-life. com/uruguay/tours/2828/taste-of-uruguay 5. Patagonia “Glamping” Tour - Join renowned South American photographer and nature documentary filmmaker Ossian Lindholm in this Travel Vision Photo Journeys exclusive, a Patagonian hiking and photo itinerary that blends Chiloe Island and Torres Del Paine National Park. Savor special food & wine moments along the way -- oysters paired with wine on a beach, superb local food, and more. Evenings are spent at the award winning EcoCamp Patagonia in its sustainable, comfortable, geodesic Suite Domes, the region’s first fully sustainable accommodation south of the Amazon and the world’s first geodesic hotel room. https://ciclismoclassico.com/trips/patagonia-wildlife-adventure/ 6. Peru Culinary Adventure - What better way is there to learn the culture of a country than meeting its people in the markets and tasting its specialties? Enjoy one of our best culinary tours in Peru while visiting Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and a Machu Picchu tour. Savor both the traditional and Novoandina dishes of Peru cuisine along the way. This is one of our more relaxed, culturally focused Peru tours with an emphasis on the flavors and gastronomy of Peru. http:// www.adventure-life.com/peru/tours/1544/peru-cuisine 7. Chronicle of Russian Cuisine & Culture - This delectable journey, led by a passionate local foodie, lets you eat your way through Russia’s greatest cities, Moscow and St. Petersburg, while taking care to touch on all the definitive cultural sites. You will learn that Russian cuisine goes far beyond borscht and blini. Explore the enduring open-air markets and their new organic relatives, the czarist and nouvelle cuisine restaurants, and the retro Soviet cafés and vodka bars of modern Russia. Meet famed chefs for hands-on cooking classes and dine in a smorgasbord of restaurants, family homes, and a country dacha, where home-cooked cuisine and traditional Russian culture come together. http://www.mircorp.com/ trip/chronicle-of-russian-cuisine-and-culture/ 8. Provence Beautiful Villages - Ride & Seek has introduced a tour in the Provence region to highlight some of the “most beautiful villages of France” as ordained by the group Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. This tour emphasizes food and local wines. There is a wonderful correlation between finest wine growing areas and world class cycling. There is no better way to Provence than through the local cuisine. http://www.rideandseek.com/local/provence. 9. Taste of Thailand - Explore Bangkok and Chiang Mai on this culinary adventure in Thailand. Try your hand at cooking traditional Thai dishes and wander local markets to pick out fresh ingredients. Visit a local coffee project, a traditional Hmong mountain village, and centuries old temples as you connect with the culture through its cuisine on this 7 day tour of Thailand. http://www.adventure-life.com/thailand/tours/4994/taste-of-thailand 10. Wines of Mendoza Tour - For those into wine, it’s hardly headlines that Mendoza is the heart of the wine country in Argentina, the fifth largest wine producer in the world. Home to 80 percent of the Argentine production, Mendoza is much more than just another wine destination -- the outstanding wines, the amazing diversity in winery architecture, the unique landscapes and the warmth of the locals make this wine country “one of a kind.” http://www.frontiersej.com/public/ elegantJourneys/1/Wines_of_Mendoza/main_menu_ej
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Kickstarters with potential
Bolo - the rolling knife
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Be prepared for winter travel With winter surely coming soon, there’s always the chance of getting delayed or stuck enroute. The resulting experience is directly proportional to your preparation for such a situation. If your attitude is “It won’t happen to me,” then chances are you’ll fare the worst. If you’ve given it some thought and taken steps to mitigate your possible discomfort, then chances are you’ll do just fine. I like to think I fall in the latter camp, so if I’m on a winter road trip, you’ll find my car packed with a number of essentials. Here’s a list of things to consider, and while you don’t necessarily need them all, any that you do have will be more than welcome if an emergency occurs. Also consider, maybe it’s not you that will be stuck, but maybe it’ll be someone you encounter. If you are equipped to help both yourself and them, you’ll be not only a hero but a Good Samaritan as well. The basic human necessities have always been food, water and shelter and in this modern day, I’d add communication. After that, it’s all about comfort 26
Whatever phone you use won’t be worth its weight if the battery dies. Also, if you are stuck because your car’s battery has died, that’s not cool either. My latest favorite solution to both is the Weego Professional version. With the included accessories, this little power pack will recharge your phone up to six times or jump your car multiple times. It also has a small emergency light built in. (Read more)(Check pricing)
and not losing your mind being confined someplace you don’t want to be. Your first priority is to let someone know you need help, so a phone that works is essential. If you can afford it, a satellite phone is the only one that works everywhere. The Inmarsat phone works great and unfolded is only slightly larger than my iPhone 6. It’ll not only place calls and send text messages, it will send your GPS location. (Read more)(Check pricing).
Be prepared to melt some snow for a constant water source, with a simple metal tin, some wooden matches and some small tea candles. This kit can be put together for under a couple dollars and will last indefinitely.
Obviously packing shelter is probably more than you want to consider, but shelter from the elements in a good warm coat is certainly a smart move. Ideally, you could consider a compact jacket like this Big Agnes Dunkley Belay down jacket that folds down into a compact pack for easy storage. It and its hood will keep you warm well below zero. (Read more)(Check prices)
never regret. Okay, we’ve got water and shelter covered, how about a nice warm meal? Seriously. Nothing goes better than warm food when you’re stuck somewhere. These Chef 5-minute meals are absolutely ideal for camping or emergencies. They come with a self-contained heat source and are ready in five to eight minutes. Best yet – they taste good. (Read more)(Check prices)
Some large Baggies are always a good idea to keep in the car for times when you can’t or don’t want to exit the car, but Mother Nature is calling. Pack a couple of One Wipe Charlies and a couple folded paper towels in the bag and you’ll be clean as well as comfortable.
Packing an emergency blanket is also a good idea that you’ll
One more consideration, a good book or other entertainment to ward off boredom. So, that should get you started, and once you’ve begun, I’m sure you’ll think of other items. For more suggestions, check out FEMA’s Emergency Supply List. (downloadable PDF file) or DMV.org’s suggested list of trunk necessities. 27
Past /ssues
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